The excitement begins!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. The day to gather and reflect upon your blessings.A day to gorge yourself with wonderful food...and vow not to regret it...after all it is a holiday!

I am headed to my mother-in-law's for the feast tomorrow. I am excited to spend the day as a family. I have made the vegetable tray, the fruit tray, the green bean casserole, the cranberry relish and the pumpkin and apple pies. Emily has prepared fresh green beans with bacon.

Everything looks and smells delicious.

I am scouring the sale ads for "Black Friday". I have not yet decided if I will brave the crowds or will stay safe at home. I actually enjoy the RUSH of the shopping event at 4:00 in the morning... but I can't seem to find any other friends who feel the same way...so I may just bow out...as opposed to shopping alone... we'll see.
Wish my mom were in town---she would brave the shopping FRENZY.

Well- enjoy your thanksgiving prep work... I will update tomorrow with photos of our Thanksgiving at "granny's house"

Just so proud !

Today the counselor from Jake's school called to invite me to watch Jake receive a very special award. She explained that Jake had been selected as: STUDENT OF THE MONTH

at North Jefferson Intermediate. The award is based on many criteria, and she explained that he had been nominated by his teacher, and the award committee had unanimously agreed that he was a deserving recipient. The award program is sponsored by local ELKS club. They awarded Jake with a plaque and a gift certificate. He was photographed for the school paper and for the local paper. (If I sound like I am boasting---it is because I am. I am very proud of my son.)

This is what Jake's teacher wrote in her nomination for Jake:

I am nominating Jacob Schmoll for the 5th grade Student of the Month . Jacob is a true leader in the sense that he leads by example. He always has something positive to say to his classmates. He is not afraid to ask for help or show that he does not understand something. Jacob will be the one to say "this is what confused me but what helped me was..." showing others it is ok to be unsure of something. He does this in such an honest way that the other kids don't see this as "nerdy". I often catch Jacob making encouraging statements, stopping to help someone, no matter who it is, or offer to find out something that comes up in a class discussion. He is very intelligent, but not "showy" at all, and he has a wonderful sense of humor. Jacob goes above and beyond expectations set for students. He is the ideal student and the ideal citizen: sweet, caring, and honest.


I hope that Jake always displays these qualities. His honesty,his consideration and his kindness are qualities that I admire in my son.

Thank you Jacob for being the boy you are!

Just a Prayer and Good Wishes

Just a quick posting today. PAPA D. Please know that we are all praying for your speedy recovery. We pray that you will be stronger than ever after you get out of the hospital.
We love you so much and know that Gamma will take good care of you until you are stronger than ever.
With love and prayers always!
The Schmolls